Pirate Bay Developing BitTorrent-like Protocol

The Pirate Bay is pushing forward with the development of a new software standard that makes it easier for downloaders to pirate media files, as BitTorrent works to become more legit.

The site has long used BitTorrent to trade files between its users. However, the creators of that technology have taken great strides to market legal uses of its product and have begun to crack down on illicit file sharing where it can.

A wiki, securep2p.com, has been set up to start developing the protocol, which is apparently based on BitTorrent. However, it includes several new aspects that further cloud the identities of those who use it.

BitTorrent told Reuters in an interview that The Pirate Bay's moves will not hurt the protocol at all, considering "the pirate community has never paid us a dime." It added that the company has several deals with online distributors to generate revenue.

The Pirate Bay has been a favorite target of content owners in recent months. The MPAA sued the site in May of last year, and a raid later in the month by Swedish authorities caused it to shut down and relocate to the Netherlands.

Prince sued the site in September of this year, marking the first time a specific artist took legal action against Pirate Bay.

Sweden's laws regarding piracy apparently put the owners of the popular piracy site at risk for a $300 fine at worst, so the organizers plan to trudge forward and continue to offer the service.

In fact, it has discounted several cease and desist letters sent to it by various content owners, stating that "Sweden is not a state in the United States," and that the group's legal threats carry no weight in the country.